Canine
There's hope for dogs with arthritic ankles!

Clinical Signs of Ankle Arthritis
The clinical signs of an arthritic ankle tend to start with a pronounced limp or a refusal to put full weight when stepping on the affected leg.
Upon closer inspection, the ankle may appear swollen.
Your veterinarian may see even more signs: examination through arthroscopy or x-ray images can show diminished cartilage and/or abnormal bone growth surrounding the joint.
What options can help?
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Weight optimization to avoid excess load on the joint
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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) as prescribed by your vet or intra-articular injections precisely targeted for localized pain relief
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Fusion of the ankle joint (also called arthrodesis) to fix the joint at a specific angle, providing more stability than the inflamed arthritic joint and reducing the pain due to lost cartilage on the parts of the joint
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Removal of the painful limb through amputation
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Total Ankle Replacement surgery is designed to restore normal joint function and range of motion
"Layla can hike six miles with no visible discomfort. She loves to run off trail hunting for grouse! We are thoroughly pleased with her quality of life"
KATHERINE HOWE, LAYLA’S OWNER
Restoring Pets to their Full Potential
How Does the TATE™ Ankle Replacement System Work?
Damaged joint surfaces will be replaced with a prosthetic joint designed to restore pain-free ankle function. This replacement joint emulates the fundamental motion of the ankle by replacing the articular surfaces of the joint.
Porous structure facilitates bone ingrowth for integration with the existing bone structure.
The implants feature Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings designed for swifter bone ingrowth that leads to stable attachment.
A minimally invasive approach with a patented “cartridge implant” greatly reduces soft tissue damage to promote quicker healing and optimal implant placement.
The bearing is made of cross-linked polyethylene blended with vitamin E, designed for smooth performance to last the life of the patient.
Damaged joint surfaces will be replaced with a prosthetic joint designed to restore pain-free ankle function. This replacement joint emulates the fundamental motion of the ankle by replacing the articular surfaces of the joint.
Porous structure facilitates bone ingrowth for integration with the existing bone structure.
The implants feature Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings designed for swifter bone ingrowth that leads to stable attachment.
A minimally invasive approach with a patented “cartridge implant” greatly reduces soft tissue damage to promote quicker healing and optimal implant placement.
The bearing is made of cross-linked polyethylene blended with vitamin E, designed for smooth performance to last the life of the patient.
Ankle Replacement with the BioMedtrix TATE™ Ankle System can restore pain-free function.

BEFORE ANKLE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
These radiographs taken right before surgery show an end-stage arthritic ankle. This is evident by a number of attributes; the most prominent being the abnormal bone growths (osteophytes) on the side of the ankle. Also indicative of end-stage arthritis are the irregular joint space and the apparent increase in density of the bone itself as it attempts to adapt to bone-on-bone contact by getting ‘harder.’

AFTER ANKLE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
These radiographs, taken 6 months after surgery, show a stable implant with good bone ingrowth. This is evident by the fact that there are no dark lines surrounding the edges of the implant where it is in contact with bone. The osteotomy, as would be expected at this juncture, has healed well.
Know the Risks
Any surgery involves risk, and you should discuss these considerations with your veterinarian.
- Anesthetic and Infection Risks
- While rare, complications from anesthesia exist as a potential risk. Careful monitoring and experienced professionals mitigate these concerns. Surgical Site Infections, though infrequent, remain a consideration.
- Vigilant hygiene practices and meticulous postoperative care contribute to safeguarding against this risk.
- Additional Risks and Considerations:
- Pressing health matters, such as cancer or other significant medical issues, take priority over ankle replacement. Total joint replacement is most effective when not overshadowed by other concerns.
- Lameness from sources other than pain due to arthritis of the ankle may not be addressed by ankle replacement; your vet will recommend treatment that fits your pet.
- Aftercare matters to the surgery’s success because the implant needs time to be integrated and stable. When patients come home, supervised and limited activity will be prescribed by your doctor. Follow the discharge instructions for the time they recommend.
- Risks of Common Alternatives:
- Medications manage pain, but only pain, not underlying disease. Long-term use ofanti-inflammatory drugs can have complications for the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract.
- Long-term drug therapy is not required for pets after ankle replacement surgery.
Mobility for All
The Movora family of brands is continually innovating to bring cutting-edge medicine to pets worldwide. The BioMedtrix TATE™ Ankle Replacement System is just one of the prestigious solutions we offer veterinary surgeons for restoring mobility and letting pets enjoy life with their families.
Movora offers veterinarians worldwide orthopedic and surgical products, education opportunities and service centers. We’ve been pioneering innovation to deliver patient success stories for more than 30 years.
This material is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the diagnosis or advice of your veterinarian. For more information please contact your veterinary specialist.